Salmon Kings Sign Defenseman Kelly

August 5, 2008 - ECHL (ECHL)
Victoria Salmon Kings News Release

Victoria, BC - The Victoria Salmon Kings, proud affiliate of the Vancouver Canucks and Manitoba Moose, announced today that the team has signed defenseman Matt Kelly for the 2008-09 season.

This will mark Kelly's third season with the Salmon Kings, but his first under ECHL contract. The 6-3, 205lbs blueliner had been under contract to the AHL's Manitoba Moose for his first two professional seasons.

"To have Matt back in Victoria is a very important signing for us," General Manager and Head Coach Mark Morrison said. "He is a versatile defenseman who can contribute on both ends of the ice as well as bring a physical presence to the game. He really began to take strides down the stretch and during the playoffs last season."

The Tottenham, ON native split time between the Salmon Kings and the Moose last season. In the 54 games he played in Victoria he contributed 23 points (7g-16a) and earned 59 minutes in penalties, and during his seven games in Manitoba he collected two minutes in penalties.

In 11 playoff contests in the 2007-08 season he contributed seven assists and six minutes in penalties.

For his Salmon King career the 23-year-old has played in 113 games and collected 16 goals and 31 assists during that span as well as 99 minutes of penalty time.

Kelly was signed by Manitoba after a four-year junior hockey career where he played in both the OHL and the OPJHL. Kelly played parts of four seasons with the OHL's Belleville Bulls where he participated in 191 games and collected 71 points (21g-50a). In 15 games with the OPJHL's Thornhill Rattlers he chipped in with 6 goals and 7 assists for 13 points.

ECHL Stories from August 5, 2008

• All-Star blueliner Bryan Miller re-signs with Alaska - Alaska Aces
• The Hockey News Hosts Ultimate Logo Contest - ECHL
• Salmon Kings Sign Defenseman Kelly - Victoria Salmon Kings
• Falcons to Participate in Light the Night Walk - Fresno Falcons
• Las Vegas Agrees To Terms With Two Defenders For 2008-09 - Las Vegas Wranglers
• Checkers Add Forwards Rutherford and Leveille - Charlotte Checkers
• Nailers Announce Two for One Season Ticket Promotion - Wheeling Nailers
• Stingrays Secure Net with Signing of Johnson, Goepfert - South Carolina Stingrays
• Rookie Brocklehurst joins Blades - Florida Everblades

The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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